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Revolutionary War Role-Player: Crisis Solvers
Grade 5Social Studies16 days
The 'Revolutionary War Role-Player: Crisis Solvers' project immerses 5th-grade students in the study of the American Revolutionary War by engaging them in a role-play as historical figures. Throughout this 16-session project, students explore key events, strategies, and the roles played by different historical figures to address crises while considering their impacts on various groups involved, like women, enslaved people, and Native Americans. Activities include creating character profiles, mapping military strategies, debating war outcomes, and analyzing alliances, all aimed at enhancing historical understanding, analytical skills, and creative expression.Revolutionary WarHistorical FiguresRole-PlayingStrategiesImpactsCollaborationCreative Expression
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Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we, as historical figures during the Revolutionary War, strategize a way to address and resolve a crisis, while considering the causes, outcomes, and effects on various groups involved in the war?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- What were the main causes and outcomes of the American Revolutionary War?
- How did different historical figures contribute to the war effort and outcomes?
- What strategies were used during the Revolutionary War to achieve military and political objectives?
- How did the Revolutionary War impact the lives of various groups, such as enslaved people, women, and Native Americans?
- What were the significant turning points or battles of the Revolutionary War?
- How did alliances influence the course and outcome of the Revolutionary War?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will identify and explain the main causes and outcomes of the American Revolutionary War.
- Students will analyze the contributions of different historical figures to the war effort and outcomes.
- Students will evaluate the strategies used during the Revolutionary War to achieve military and political objectives.
- Students will assess the impact of the Revolutionary War on various groups, such as enslaved people, women, and Native Americans.
- Students will identify and discuss significant turning points or battles of the Revolutionary War.
- Students will understand how alliances influenced the course and outcome of the Revolutionary War.
Common Core Standards
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.5.3
Primary
Explain the relationships or interactions between two or more individuals, events, ideas, or concepts in a historical text based on specific information in the text.Reason: Students need to understand the interactions between different historical figures and events during the Revolutionary War.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.1
Primary
Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons and information.Reason: Suitable for writing assignments related to the role-playing and creating strategies to resolve the crisis.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.5.1
Supporting
Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners on grade 5 topics and texts, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.Reason: Critical for the collaborative and role-playing elements of the project, requiring students to engage in discussions and strategy planning.
State Social Studies Standards
SS.5.1
Primary
Understand the causes, major events, and consequences of the American Revolution.Reason: Directly addresses understanding of the Revolutionary War, which is the central theme of the project.
SS.5.2
Primary
Examine the roles and contributions of significant individuals during the Revolutionary War.Reason: Focuses on historical figures which are essential for the role-playing aspect of the project.
SS.5.3
Secondary
Analyze the effects of the American Revolution on different groups and the emergence of an independent nation.Reason: Addresses the impact on various groups, a key inquiry in the project.
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsEscape Room: The Revolutionary Challenge
Transform the classroom into an escape room where each puzzle or clue relates to events or figures of the Revolutionary War. Students have to solve these to 'unlock' their mission, piquing their curiosity and problem-solving skills.Historical Figure's Twitter Account
Introduce the project through a fictional, live Twitter feed from a Revolutionary War figure. Students can interact, ask questions, and get real-time updates on a developing crisis, compelling them to step into their roles for solutions.Secret Agent Briefing
A surprise 'classified' briefing from a historical figure's perspective assigns each student a unique role with specific tasks to prevent a looming crisis during the Revolutionary War. This immersive experience emphasizes cooperation, strategic problem-solving, and historical empathy.đź“š
Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Activity 1
Historical Role Boot Camp
Students engage in a guided exploration of various historical figures from the Revolutionary War, choosing one to role-play throughout the project. This activity begins their deep dive into the historical context surrounding these figures.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Research various historical figures from the Revolutionary War using the library or approved online resources.
2. Choose one historical figure to focus on for the project.
3. Create a character profile using a graphic organizer to outline important details about their life and contributions to the war.
4. Prepare a short presentation or poster to share your character and what you have learned with the class.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA character profile and presentation or poster of a selected Revolutionary War figure.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with SS.5.1 (Understand the causes, major events, and consequences of the American Revolution) and SS.5.2 (Examine the roles and contributions of significant individuals during the Revolutionary War).Activity 2
Interactive Strategy Map
Students work collaboratively to design a map illustrating key military and political strategies used during the Revolutionary War, with specific attention to their selected historical figures' contributions to these strategies.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Identify significant military and political strategies used during the Revolutionary War through guided class discussions and specific readings.
2. Using online mapping tools or large paper, outline these strategies on a map.
3. Indicate your chosen historical figure’s involvement in these strategies on the map.
4. Collaborate with classmates to refine and finalize the map for class display.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA collaborative map showing Revolutionary War strategies and figure involvement.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with SS.5.1 (Understand the causes, major events, and consequences of the American Revolution), SS.5.2 (Examine the roles and contributions of significant individuals during the Revolutionary War), and CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.5.1 (Engage effectively in collaborative discussions).Activity 3
Debate the Outcomes
Through a structured class debate, students argue different perspectives on the outcomes of the Revolutionary War, using their historical figures as the basis for their arguments.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Research the outcomes of the Revolutionary War, focusing on economic, political, and social changes.
2. Prepare arguments for a debate, using the perspective of your historical figure.
3. Participate in one-on-one or group debates with peers to defend your position.
4. Reflect on the debate’s insights and how your understanding of the war’s impact has evolved.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA debated argument about the outcomes of the Revolutionary War as seen through the eyes of a historical figure.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with SS.5.3 (Analyze the effects of the American Revolution on different groups), CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.1 (Write opinion pieces supporting a point of view with reasons and information), and CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.5.1 (Engage effectively in discussions).Activity 4
Alliance Analysis
Students analyze the alliances formed during the Revolutionary War and their impact on the conclusion of the war. They create written reports and visual presentations to showcase their findings.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Research alliances made during the Revolutionary War using resources provided by the teacher.
2. Analyze how these alliances influenced the course and outcome of the war.
3. Write a formal report on your analysis, highlighting your historical figure’s role in forming or reacting to alliances.
4. Create a visual presentation to accompany your report.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA formal report and visual presentation analyzing Revolutionary War alliances and their outcomes.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.5.3 (Explain the relationships or interactions between individuals, events, ideas, or concepts in a historical text) and SS.5.1 (Understand the causes, major events, and consequences of the American Revolution).Activity 5
Impact Journal
In a reflective and creative exercise, students maintain a journal from the perspective of their historical figure. They reflect on the impact of the Revolutionary War on various social groups and their character’s personal experiences.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Write journal entries from the perspective of your historical figure, focusing on key events and their personal views about the war.
2. Reflect on how different groups (e.g., women, Native Americans, enslaved people) were affected by the Revolutionary War.
3. Include creative elements like illustrations or 'artifacts' that your figure might have encountered or used.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA creative journal depicting the Revolutionary War through the lens of a historical figure, including reflections and illustrations.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with SS.5.3 (Analyze the effects of the American Revolution on different groups) and CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.1 (Write opinion pieces supporting a point of view with reasons and information).🏆
Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioRevolutionary War Role-Playing Assessment
Category 1
Historical Understanding
Assessment of students' grasp on the causes, events, and consequences of the Revolutionary War through research and interpretation.Criterion 1
Character Profile and Presentation
Analysis of student's ability to create a historically accurate and insightful character profile and present it clearly.
Exemplary
4 PointsPresents a comprehensive and well-researched character profile with insightful analysis of the historical figure's contributions and context.
Proficient
3 PointsPresents a thorough and accurate character profile with clear understanding of the historical figure's contributions.
Developing
2 PointsPresents a basic character profile with some understanding of the historical figure's contributions.
Beginning
1 PointsPresents a limited character profile with little understanding of the historical figure's contributions.
Criterion 2
Revolutionary War Strategy Map
Evaluation of student's ability to accurately depict Revolutionary War strategies and the involvement of historical figures.
Exemplary
4 PointsCreates an exceptionally detailed and accurate map illustrating strategic aspects and the figure's involvement, showing advanced understanding.
Proficient
3 PointsCreates a detailed and accurate map that depicts strategic aspects and the figure's involvement.
Developing
2 PointsCreates a basic map with some strategic elements and historical figure's involvement.
Beginning
1 PointsCreates an incomplete map with few strategic elements.
Category 2
Analytical Skills and Perspective
Assessment of students' ability to analyze outcomes and perspectives using historical evidence and logical reasoning.Criterion 1
Debate Participation
Assessment of student's ability to develop and articulate logical arguments based on historical evidence during debates.
Exemplary
4 PointsPresents well-substantiated and persuasive arguments with sophisticated reasoning during debates.
Proficient
3 PointsPresents clear and logical arguments that are backed with appropriate historical evidence.
Developing
2 PointsPresents basic arguments with some historical evidence and reasoning.
Beginning
1 PointsPresents minimal arguments, lacking coherence and sufficient historical evidence.
Criterion 2
Alliance Analysis Report
Evaluation of student's understanding and analysis of Revolutionary War alliances and their impacts.
Exemplary
4 PointsProduces a comprehensive and insightful report analyzing alliances, showing exceptional understanding.
Proficient
3 PointsProduces a clear and accurate report with a good analysis of alliances and their impacts.
Developing
2 PointsProduces a basic report with some analysis of alliances.
Beginning
1 PointsProduces an incomplete report with little analysis.
Category 3
Creative Engagement and Expression
Evaluates students' use of creativity to express historical interpretation and emotional depth.Criterion 1
Impact Journal
Assessment of student's ability to creatively and accurately express insights into the impact of the Revolutionary War from a personal perspective.
Exemplary
4 PointsCreates a highly creative and insightful journal with an in-depth exploration of multiple perspectives, adorned with detailed illustrations.
Proficient
3 PointsCreates a creative and coherent journal with exploration of multiple perspectives, complemented by illustrations.
Developing
2 PointsProduces a basic journal with limited perspective and few creative elements.
Beginning
1 PointsProduces an incomplete journal lacking depth and creativity.
Reflection Prompts
End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learningQuestion 1
Reflect on how effectively you were able to immerse yourself and role-play as your chosen historical figure during the Revolutionary War project.
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Question 2
On a scale from 1 to 5, how successful were you in achieving the learning goals related to understanding the causes, events, and consequences of the American Revolutionary War?
Scale
Required
Question 3
Which entry event do you think most effectively sparked your curiosity and engagement in the project, and why?
Multiple choice
Required
Options
Escape Room: The Revolutionary Challenge
Historical Figure's Twitter Account
Secret Agent Briefing
Question 4
In what ways did the project activities (e.g., Historical Role Boot Camp, Interactive Strategy Map, Debate the Outcomes) deepen your understanding of the Revolutionary War and its impact on various groups?
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Question 5
How did collaborating with classmates influence your perspective on the different strategies used during the Revolutionary War?
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